Spring Equinox Interview with Sophie Jaffe and Rachelle Tratt
It’s been a long, cold winter, but as we experience another magical Spring Equinox, it’s time to celebrate the Spring season ahead. We don’t know about you but the Philosophie Team is so excited about the longer days and the signs of life starting to emerge all around. The shift of the season is full of meaning and potential, and each of us looks forward to it for different reasons. That’s why we wanted to know what The Philosophie’s founder, Sophie Jaffe, and one of her besties (and soon-to-be retreat co-host!), Rachelle Tratt, are looking forward to this Spring. Check out what they had to say about what the season of flowers and sunshine means to them, how their habits change during the Springtime, and what they plan to do to connect with the rhythms of this beautiful time of year!
What does Spring represent to you?
SJ: I grew up in DC for the first 12 years and then in the surrounding areas. The cherry blossoms are a huge deal, rightfully so. Now, living in LA, I associate certain blooming flowers and smells with springtime. The smell of freshly cut grass, planting flowers, veggies and trees, the spring Equinox. Spring means extra sunlight each day, more time in the backyard, BBQ dinners.
RT: Spring to me is the smell of the blooming jasmine outside of my bedroom window. Spring to me represents a season where life is once again light, playful, and full of possibilities.
How does your routine change as the season sweeps in?
RT: During wintertime, I find myself nesting more, going inward, and eating warm, comforting dishes. During spring and summer you can pretty much always find me outside, on a bike, walking my dog, playing with friends, and eating big, raw and colorful salads.
SJ: Definitely spending more time outdoors. We hike much more, play in the backyard, and go on adventures by foot. I let the kids go to sleep an hour later, following the rhythm of the sun and moon.
What are your favorite rituals for celebrating the Spring season?
SJ: I always do a spring cleanse, both for my body and for my home. I'm in the process now of doing my 5 Day DIY Cleanse and cleaning out my closet and garage for donation. It feels SO good! We usually go to some sort of a festival for music or dance as spring enters, setting the tone for longer days and nights as we transition to summer.
RT: Dance. Always dance!
One of the wonderful things about this time of year is that everything starts to bloom and it seems like there are fresh flowers everywhere. Which flowers are you most excited to see each Spring?
RT: Jasmine!!!
SJ: The Jacaranda flowers/trees in LA make my heart skip a beat. I also love the smell of fresh jasmine, too. I just can't get enough!
When Spring fever hits, it can seem like the only cure is a getaway. Where are your favorite locales for a springtime vacation?
SJ: We love Palm Springs, Ojai, Joshua Tree and Big Sur!
RT: Renting a house by a lake with friends sounds just about perfect! Oh, and the beach! You can never go wrong with some vacationing by the ocean!
What are you most looking forward to in the season ahead?
RT: Travel, adventure and lots of music festivals! I am really looking forward to the Nourish your Soul Retreat in Mexico that Sophie and I will be hosting in May! Plus, I will also be leading a retreat to Bali in September and will turn 30 when it ends and plan on doing some solo traveling to Thailand!
SJ: Definitely our Nourish Your Soul retreat in Mexico! I'm seriously counting down the days. Rachelle and I have so many fun activities and workshops up our sleeves! We have a few spots left so please book it if you feel a pull towards it! We cannot wait to meet you there and share our passions and loves with you!